With the abuse of performance enhancing substances(P.E.St) prevelent in many areas of competition can we really overlook the cutthroat world of paranomal investigating? So called ‘Ghost-Doping’ may seem harmless in terms of its health effects, but consider its impact on the paranormal sciences. Ignoring this problem will only allow it to fester and propagate like a virus (herpes for example). It is doubtful whether the field of paranormal investigation, already heavily taxed by its struggle to gain legitimacy in the sciences, can survive the stain of substance abuse.
I suggest that drug testing now may serve to avoid future scandals that could sink prominant practitioners and the discipline they strive to legitimize. P.E.Sts effect the spirit of fair competition and the acumen of the investigators senses, as well as risking the lucrative sponsorships necessary to fund further research. Substance abuse is an iceberg on our horizon; drug testing could be the lifeboat we need.
Let us look at the categorical effects P.E.Sts have on the individual investigator. Stimulants act as the investigators crutch that makes it possible for them to hobble into the wee hours. Problems that arrise include; the shakes(effecting hand held meters), jitters or jumpiness(causing overreactons and actual jumping), and an excessive need to urinate(disturbing the continuity of the investigation itself). Ameliorating these effects with sedatives becomes even more problematic.
Human growth hormones. I have no hard data on how big a human can get but I have found that human growth hormones, hGH(a type of P.E.St), can lead to heart problems(again, I have no hard data. Except in my pants). Putting an individual with a delicate heart in a position to meet a ghost face-to-face just can’t be a good idea. Other internal organs are also effected but I found no evidence that these ‘less important’ organs have ever spontaneously seized due to the fear reaction. When is the last time you startled someone only to have them say, “You scared me so bad my spleen almost seized!”
Narcotics are associated with an impairment of an individual’s sensory abilities. Much emphasis is placed on the gadgets and meters measuring the byproducts of paranemes(def: the smallest unit of a spiritual entity). Any good investigator worth his or her salt* knows that the acuity of their own senses is their greatest asset. Effects range from not seeing objects or images in the immediate environment to not caring about the objects they do see. Similarly, audio transmittions and natural sounds may be heard but may stimulate inappropriate reactions such as laughter, inability to concentrate or flatuance.
Now we come to the hallucinogens(H). This class of drugs was once thought to be closely tied to the field of the paranomal by seekers of a higher consciousness. With the emphasis on modern paranormal research shifting to science many have grown Leary of these substances.
Psychedelics, dissociatives and deliriants can create a number of unproductive side-effects which include; seeing things that are not there, seeing or sensing things that are not anywhere, dream like states(sleep may also lead to dream-like experiences and is also disruptive to the investigation process), an inability to properly operate electronic devices(including sex toys used for provocation sessions), acute fear of lens dust, an exaggerated awareness of ones own skin(disrupting to an investigation and potentialy harmful to equipment, vehicles and bystanders), and in extreme cases death. How many investigators can we affort to lose before the field is negitively impacted?
Cheating, in any form, is bad. Cheating in the realm of paranormal investigation can undermine the legitamacy of the invetigators and cast doubt on the evidence they collect(real bad). Drug effects on sensory abilities more directly destroy the credibility of the evidence(uber bad). Evidence is not proof, as Red Letter Rachel(RLR) so aptly asserted in her recent blog movement. However, this evidence must still be sound(especially in the case of EVP).
With ‘Ghost-Doping’ destroying the level playing field and reliability within the discipline, a reluctance on the part of sponsors will certianly follow. Without any real jobs many investigators will never see an infra-red camera or a multi-directional electronic device without the backing of corporate ‘deep pockets’.
So it seems undeniable that drug testing is needed. Not only do I believe P.E.Sts should be banned, but we should also regulate the use of caffeine and energy drinks, for these are commonly used to ‘mask’ the use of other drugs(I really like parentheses). I call upon all concerned to act now! How you act is up to you!
*I hope to be writing about the use of spices and condiments in paranormal investigating in a future posting featuring an overuse of semicolons. Anyone interested in starting a Spirit Orb Support Group?
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